The presidents of China and Taiwan just met to improve relations

Presidents Xi Jinping of China and Ma Ying-jeou of Taiwan met Saturday in Singapore, marking the first such encounter between the two men. The nations' governments have been rivals since 1949, when the Chinese Nationalists fled to Taiwan after losing a civil war against the Communists.

The two shook hands before starting a brief, televised talk about improving relations.

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The nations make up "one family with blood that is thicker than water," Xi said.

Ma, whose second and final term as president of the island is set to end next year, has long supported strengthening ties with China. But The New York Times reports that the frontrunner to replace him does not share his stance toward China, which could make future meetings between the two sides less likely.